DETROIT – The 45th National Veterans Wheelchair Games are underway in Detroit July 9–14, 2026, bringing hundreds of veteran athletes together for the world’s largest annual wheelchair sports and rehabilitation event exclusively for U.S. military veterans.
Organizers say the week is about far more than medals—it’s about how adaptive sports can help veterans recover, rebuild, and thrive through competition, community, and confidence.
Hosted at venues across metro Detroit, the Games highlight the unstoppable character of veterans while fostering greater respect and opportunity for all people with disabilities. The event is open to U.S. veterans with spinal cord injuries, amputations, multiple sclerosis, or other central neurological conditions who require a wheelchair for athletic competition—drawing competitors from World War II through the post-9/11 era.
A mission built on rehabilitation and possibility
The Department of Veterans Affairs launched the Wheelchair Games in 1981 with just 7 events and 77 athletes. In 1985, Paralyzed Veterans of America joined the VA to expand the mission and reach. Since then, the Games have flourished as more VA therapists turn to adaptive sports as a powerful tool for rehabilitation—helping veterans become more active in daily life and, for some, reach national and international levels of competition.
Over the decades, thousands of veterans with disabilities have gained skills, confidence, and experience—learning to take on challenges in the spirit of opportunity rather than limitation.
Events and venues across the region
Many of the core events are centered at Huntington Place Convention Center (1 Washington Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48226), home to the NVWG Operations and Events Hub, opening and closing celebrations, expo and registration, plus competitions including:Air Rifle, Air Pistol, Archery, Adaptive Fitness, Basketball, Boccia, Cornhole, Disc Golf, Esports, Field Events, Kids Day, Powerlifting, Power Soccer, Slalom, Softball, Table Tennis, and Wheelchair Rugby.
Other major venues include:
- Belle Isle (99 Pleasure Dr, Detroit): Fishing, Cycling
- Skore Lanes (22255 Ecorse Rd, Taylor): Bowling
- Grosse Pointe South High School (11 Grosse Pointe Blvd, Grosse Pointe Farms): Swimming
- Henry Ford Museum (20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn): The Rally
They’re looking for volunteers
With events spanning multiple sites and days, the Wheelchair Games are actively seeking volunteers—an opportunity organizers say is both meaningful and fun.
Why Volunteer?
- Opportunity to serve our Nation’s Veterans
- Opportunity to explore and fulfill your passions
- Sense of purpose, make new friendships
- Make a difference in the Detroit Community
- Learn about the National Veterans Wheelchair Games
- Have FUN!
Volunteers will receive:
- 45th NVWG Volunteer T-shirt
- Meal voucher (for shifts of 4+ hours)
For more information or to review the volunteer handbook, visit https://www.wheelchairgames.org/. Questions? Contact the NVWG Volunteer Team at the Huntington Place Convention Center at 313-506-6768 or email NVWGVolunteers@va.gov.
Local leaders and athletes sharing the impact
You can also watch our interview with Marty Dobek with the Detroit Sports Commission, Jennifer Purser, Co-Director of the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, and Army veteran and adaptive athlete Justin Hall—as they share what these Games mean to Detroit and to the veterans competing this week.